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The production of low carbon, plant-based insulating blocks could generate additional farm income and tackle labour shortages, say experts. Encouraging farmers to diversify into... Low carbon insulation could ‘generate extra farm income’

The production of low carbon, plant-based insulating blocks could generate additional farm income and tackle labour shortages, say experts.

Encouraging farmers to diversify into making sustainable building materials for use on their own farms – or for construction in the local area – could benefit their own businesses, communities and the environment.

Led by Exeter University, a major new study will now test if the materials could lead to a “Harvest to House” system of building. The plant-based insulation blocks are made from crop by-products, such as maize haulm or straw.

Diversification

Arable farmers in south-west England will now undertake a small-scale trial of the manufacturing process. Researchers will explore how diversification into building material production might complement food production.

The project is led by Caroline Nye and Matt Lobley from Exeter University’s Centre for Rural Policy Research in partnership with Local Works Studio – a sustainable construction engineer company.

Dr Nye said: “The needs of rural communities are often overlooked in policy decisions and rural poverty is exacerbated by low pay, insecure employment, unaffordable housing and poor public transport infrastructure.

“Participation and employment in a pioneering, environmentally sensitive new industry, centred in the countryside, could foster a closer engagement of deprived rural communities with the land and bring benefits of a distributed local economy.

Many benefits

“Producing building materials could offer stability to local farm workers who need employment out of season, allowing them to re-main in the local area benefits to the farmer of experienced, consistent, higher skilled workers.”

Dr Nye believes it would also encourage repeat ‘returners’ to seasonal work – and stability to farmers who need to find other markets or make more from a crop. This would hopefully translate into more competitive pay for farm workers.

“We hope this project will be a beacon for a new potential cohort of workers – the growing number of young people from non-agricultural backgrounds attracted to the promise of land-based ecological citizenship.”

Researchers will make a short animated, visual pilot ‘manual’ of the manufacturing system, in an accessible and easy to digest format that can be readily shared and referred to by time-pressed farmers, as well as people outside agriculture.

Bobcat fleet tackles renewable energy projects

Three Bobcat excavators and a compact track loader have been purchased by civil engineering company for renewable projects.

The new equipment was supplied by the AMS Bobcat dealership to PSR Turnkey Solutions. The machines comprise a Bobcat E19 1.9 tonne and two E27z 2.7 tonne mini-excavators and a T450 compact track loader.

A specialist in renewables and drainage solutions, construction company PSR Turnkey Solutions focuses on building infrastructure for the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry – as well as for drainage projects.

PSR managing director Paul Strutt said” “We specialise in building the infrastructure for the growing renewables market – from preparing the foundations for concrete plinths for rechargers for electric vehicles to building battery energy storage systems.

The new Bobcat M-Series T450 compact track loader features easy-attachment capability, via a quick mounting system. This delivers versatility and time-saving efficiency across a wide range of different applications, says Mr Strutt.

“One of the first attachments we have bought is a sweeper, to provide clean up on site. I also see the T450 as a replacement for dumpers as it does not have to be filled up by other machines on site as it can do all that work itself.”